Hawaii Doing Well One Week After The Quake

(KHNL) - A week ago, Hawaii was rocked by one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the islands in the past 30 years.

The 6-point-7 temblor damaged homes and businesses, worried both residents and tourists, and knocked out power to much of the state.

Officials say it could've been much worse.

"The fact that we had no deaths, the fact that we had minor injuries, the fact that not a lot of the roads were closed for a lengthy period of time, the fact that schools are open, we're doing well," said Dave Curtis, spokesman for the state Civil Defense.

So far, close to 1,100 structures across the state were damaged. Estimates are nearing $100 million.

"We've been very very fortunate on the recovery period for this and we're looking real good right now," said Curtis. "If your home was one of the ones damaged you might say otherwise."

Officials say work is being done feverishly to repair damage on the Big Island. Two big issues are Kawaihae Harbor and the roads.

Crews are fixing the pier at the harbor so it can handle more cargo traffic. Temporary lights are being shipped over to help alleviate some of the traffic in the areas with only one lane open.

"This earthquake has been quite an experience for all of us," said Curtis. "There's been very good cooperation among residents, among government among everybody, and it's made the recovery a lot faster."

Everyone on Oahu was without power for hours. Residents and tourists scrambled for food. Curtis says it's a good lesson for all.

"We urge that everybody have a kit that includes batteries and a radio and those kinds of things so you don't have to race off to the store after the fact," said Curtis.

Assessment teams are on the Big Island, reviewing all the damage there. They expect the number of structures and damage estimates to increase.